Kunitsu-Gami's Prequel Shown Through Traditional Japanese Bunraku Theater

Capcom's new action strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, launched July 19th with a unique twist: a captivating Bunraku puppet theater performance. This collaboration celebrates both the game's release and Japan's rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Bunraku Theater Production

Traditional Arts Highlight the Game's Cultural Roots

The Osaka-based National Bunraku Theater, celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a special Bunraku show for the game's launch. Bunraku, a traditional Japanese puppet theater using large puppets and a three-stringed samisen, provided a fitting medium for the game's deeply rooted Japanese folklore themes. Custom puppets representing Soh and the Maiden, the game's protagonists, were crafted for the production, titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," brought to life by Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake.

"Bunraku's origins are in Osaka, much like Capcom's," Kiritake commented. "This collaboration allows us to share our art with the world."

A Bunraku Prequel to Kunitsu-Gami

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's story. Capcom describes this as a "new form of Bunraku," blending tradition with modern CG backdrops from the game world. The company aimed to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a global audience, showcasing the game's cultural depth through traditional Japanese art.

Bunraku's Influence on Kunitsu-Gami's Development

Producer Tairoku Nozoe revealed that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku heavily influenced the game's design. Even before the collaboration, Kunitsu-Gami incorporated many Bunraku elements. Inspired by a shared Bunraku experience, the team decided to partner with the National Bunraku Theater.

"We were both deeply moved by the performance," Nozoe shared, explaining the decision to collaborate.

Set on the defiled Mount Kafuku, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess challenges players to purify villages by day and protect the Maiden by night, using sacred masks to restore balance. The game is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and is included with Xbox Game Pass. A free demo is also available.